Clive Jones

Clive Jones

Liberal Democrat — Wokingham

Speaking in the House of Commons on 9 January 2025

Debate

Public Finances: Borrowing Costs

Contribution

I recognise that the Chancellor has a very difficult job. She inherited an economy on its knees, following the Conservatives’ mismanagement of the economy, from their terrible trade deal—[Interruption.] That extends from their terrible trade deal with Europe, which is holding back businesses in Wokingham, to soaring inflation, stagnant growth and the Liz Truss mini-Budget, which hit so many mortgage holders across the country. However, the Government seem to be repeating some of the same mistakes. Last night, the Treasury issued a statement saying that “meeting the fiscal rules is non-negotiable”. Will the Chief Secretary reassure this House that protecting the NHS and care is also non-negotiable, and will he rule out any cuts to those services as the Government try to balance the books? Will he work to repair our ties with Europe and cut trade-related red tape, especially in the face of Donald Trump and his oligarch allies such as Elon Musk?

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